Bihar's Imran Zahid to play lead role in the remake of Bhatt's 'Arth'

PATNA: It was in 1982 when a semi-autobiographical film by director Mahesh Bhatt changed the face of Indian cinema forever. ‘Arth’ which looked at the bold subject of extra marital relationships was also remembered for its memorable soundtrack.
The film is now making a comeback in a theatrical production. After the recent success of his plays ‘The Last Salute’ and ‘Trial of Errors’ which also launched his latest protégé and a Bihar origin Imran Zahid, the duo are now pairing up again for the dramatic adaptation of ‘Arth’.
Bhatt feels that Arth was a classic film that raised the issue of gender equality way back in the 80's. “The film looked at the issue of women emancipation like no Indian dramatic work ever has. No one has been able to better what Arth highlighted in the world of movies or in theatre. I think the 21st century India needs to be experience the theme of Arth through theatre” says the filmmaker.
‘Arth’ was way ahead of its time and Bhatt feels that subject will strike a chord even with today’s generation.
“The issues with regards to our society that were raised in ‘Arth’ are relevant in even in today’s times. Theater has given me an entirely new outlet and after staging two successful plays ‘The Last Salute’ and ‘Trial of Errors’ I took this decision. I think adapting such a piece of art into a theatrical adaptation will not be an easy task but I am ready for this test. I feel this medium has help connecting with audience in all together different way,” he adds.
A resident of Nawada district, now a Delhi-based actor Imran Zahid , who earlier essayed the role of ‘Muntadar Al Zaidiin’ ‘The Last Salute’ and in ‘Trial of Errors’ is all gearing up for this new assignment. “ I will be playing lead role of Kulbhushan Kharbanda. Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil role is yet to be finalised”, Imran told TOI.
“Mahesh Bhatt is all set to recreate magic of film 'Arth' in a theatrical play. It'll be a big challenge for me to play the lead but I am up for it," says Imran.